Manchester Grammar pupils fall ill during scuba diving lesson

12 taken to hospital

Published 29th Jun 2017
Last updated 29th Jun 2017

An investigation's underway after 12 schoolboys were taken to hospital after falling ill during a scuba diving lesson at Manchester Grammar School.

It's thought the group may have suffered carbon monoxide poisoning.

Emergency services were called at around 3.10pm on Monday 26 June 2017. Greater Manchester Police say they and North West Ambulance Service responded to a report that a group of teenage boys had been taken ill.

A 14-year-old boy remains in a stable condition. 11 other boys have since been discharged from hospital.

Detectives from the City of Manchester Team are investigating the incident with the Health and Safety Executive, and have been working with Public Health England to ensure that there is no wider risk to the public or diving community.

The possibility that carbon monoxide was present in air tanks is being investigated.

Superintendent Dave Pester from the City of Manchester Team said: “Firstly, my thoughts are with all the boys who were taken ill during this diving lesson, and I hope that the 14-year-old boy who remains in hospital makes a full recovery.

“We have launched a full investigation with colleagues from the Health and Safety Executive, and are determined to find out how and why this incident happened.

The school says the air tanks were no supplied by MGS and the company responsible for running the course is now being investigated.

Dr Martin Boulton, High Master at The Manchester Grammar School, said: “Just after 3pm on Monday 25 June, there was an incident at the School’s on-site swimming pool.

“As part of our Activities Week programme, an external company were holding a scuba diving course in our swimming pool when two of the boys taking part became very unwell. The emergency services were called and the two boys were immediately taken to hospital by ambulance for treatment. Several of the other boys later felt unwell and were also taken to hospital for treatment.

“As a precautionary measure, the remaining boys who were on the course were also seen at hospital to determine whether they needed treatment. Our thoughts are with all the boys and their parents and we will continue to offer them support.